Sanda Island

[magicol]

Using these long dark winter evenings to dream of summer adventures. I’m planning a passage round the Mull of Kintyre to Islay then further north from the upper Clyde later this year. I have really appreciated the information and advice for rounding the Mull in this forum in the past. This time, I am seriously considering the option often made by forumites of anchoring overnight at Sanda Island. However, there is very little mention of the quality of holding and shelter.
Any comments or advice on anchoring at Sanda?

 

[Minchsailor]

I have been there once, and that was about 15 years ago. From what I remember, it is a nice enough fair weather anchorage; not sure I would like it in good SWly gale!.

Not sure if it has any real advantage, unless you want to pause to get a better tide to Port Ellen/Gigha/S of Jura.

 

[AntarcticPilot]

Using these long dark winter evenings to dream of summer adventures. I’m planning a passage round the Mull of Kintyre to Islay then further north from the upper Clyde later this year. I have really appreciated the information and advice for rounding the Mull in this forum in the past. This time, I am seriously considering the option often made by forumites of anchoring overnight at Sanda Island. However, there is very little mention of the quality of holding and shelter.
Any comments or advice on anchoring at Sanda?

The anchorage at Sanda is fine in settled good weather, but is not suitable as a refuge from rough weather, The holding is fine.

 

[penfold]

Good holding in sand, but at the time I visited the owner had a mooring in the best spot. Tucked well in toward the jetty you could probably weather a 5-6 from the SW.

 

[bikedaft]

It's good holding, but I've never been in above a F6. Even a light northerly was fine, as you are out the SW swell, and little fetch. Lovely island for a wander.

 

[ProMariner]

It's a good option, have spent a few nights feeling happy at Sanda. But once was there in borderline conditions (6/7 from the SW) and wished I was comfortably tucked up in Campbeltown instead. Part of the pain, is if you have to up anchor and flit into the night, you're on a runaway train to where ever fate wants you to go.

 

[magicol]

Thanks for these helpful replies and the advice. The charts appears to show it being quite shallow in much of the bay where the anchorage is marked. I’m wondering if there is sufficient shelter in 5-10 metres? I think I am getting the message that in anything other than very settled conditions, Campbeltown is the better option.

 

[dunedin]

Thanks for these helpful replies and the advice. The charts appears to show it being quite shallow in much of the bay where the anchorage is marked. I’m wondering if there is sufficient shelter in 5-10 metres? I think I am getting the message that in anything other than very settled conditions, Campbeltown is the better option.

Have you got Antares Charts, as that has a detailed survey of the Sanda anchorage. Very helpful.

Sanda is lovely in nice weather - and worth a walk over to the lighthouse on the south side.

But yes, on most occasions we leave from the anchorage at Campbeltown rather than stopping at Sanda. It can depend a bit when the tides are on the day with suitable weather. If tides would mean a very early departure from Campbeltown in the dark, Sanda might be a better option.

 

[awol]

When the Byron Darnton was open there could be a fleet of yachts in the bay. Buy the CCC pilot book - it will answer all your questions.

 

[yotter]

I recall visiting the Byron Darnton with my dad onboard, in my last boat so more than 10 years ago probably 15 at least. Anyway the landlord in the pub explained (boasted) he had been there for many years, my typical quiet dad chipped in that he had called in about 1950 on a RTM trip, the landlord went a bit quiet.
Probably should have mentioned, I came RTM from Gigha W to E (single handed) around 10/10/22, in marginal conditions and spring tides (I just love a challenge:-(), I passed through Sanda sound in around 22 knots plus (0n the beam) and continuing up Kilbrannon sound where the wind was a mean of 35 knots. I had considered Sanda, but felt uncomfortable since nowhere to run if the weather worsened. What was interesting was at Carradale after passing the the small headland, the wind was around 10 knots dropping from 35 and a very comfy night on a mooring::0. The worst part of the trip was running up the Kilbrannan sound, I think mainly since I though this was more of a relief after RTM.

Rant over

 

[penfold]

When I first stopped there in 1991-ish he was refurbishing what became the pub, so he was there a good while.

 

[dunedin]

 

[awol]

Take care if you decide to exercise your right to roam - stepping on St Ninian's grave brings certain death!

 

[cpedw]

Take care if you decide to exercise your right to roam - stepping on St Ninian's grave brings certain death!

I've never been in doubt about the certainty of death.

 

[magicol]

Yes, the Antares charts are particularly helpful, so too are these stunning photographs! Thanks for posting. Weather permitting, a stopover at Sanda looks an attractive option even at the risk of stepping on St Ninian’s grave!

 

[Seven Spades]

We sailed from Cambletown to Ghia in a day, I would like to have gone to Sanda but didn't have the time

 

[awol]

I've never been in doubt about the certainty of death.

Shhhh! You'll upset those who believe in eternal life

 

[dunedin]

We sailed from Cambletown to Ghia in a day, I would like to have gone to Sanda but didn't have the time

That is pretty much the standard route - a convoy doing it most days during the sailing season. Some go to Islay instead.
Many forget that Ardminish Bay on Gigha is open to the East - best not to use the pontoon if any risk of Easterlies overnight, as moorings a bit more comfortable - or anchor elsewhere.

 

[awol]

We sailed from Cambletown to Ghia in a day, I would like to have gone to Sanda but didn't have the time

I am usually coming from the east side of Arran and often try to reach Sanda just before the tide turns bad. It's a good place to wait for 6 hours until the tide is going the right way. There is a bay on the south side for those days when the wind is out the north but I'm not usually going against that. Going back to the Clyde there is no point in stopping, just stay on the travellator!

 

[magicol]

I guess the temptation is often to press on if the weather is benign but Dunedin’s photographs show a spectacular anchorage. A pity the pub is no longer.